BY Calla Wahlquist

Education experts have praised a new policy developed by Catholic schools to combat transphobic and homophobic bullying as a “terrific resource”, saying it proves the messages of the Safe Schools program are compatible with religious education.

The “safe and inclusive learning communities” policy was developed by Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), the education arm of the Christian Brothers, which operates more than 50 Catholic schools in Australia.

The policy states that those schools have a responsibility to provide a “safe and inclusive learning environments for all students, in particular for same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people” and argues that position is backed in scripture and by Pope Francis in his Joy of Love address in March 2016.

“Our schools have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that each student receives an education free from discrimination and bullying irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender,” the policy states. “More importantly, Edmund Rice inspires us to give particular care to young people who might otherwise be excluded and rejected.”

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